Red Sox C Vazquez to have Tommy John surgery

Fort Myers, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Christian Vazquez, who was expected to be the starting catcher for the Boston Red Sox this season, will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right throwing elbow, the team announced Wednesday.

Vazquez's surgery will be performed Thursday in Pensacola, Florida, by Dr. James Andrews.

The 24-year-old was placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday with a sprained elbow and will likely miss the entire 2015 season.

He took over as the club's regular catcher last July and played 55 games in his first major league action, hitting .240 with nine doubles, a homer and 20 RBI.

He was at his best throwing out potential base stealers, nabbing 15-of-29.

Needing help at the position, Boston acquired catcher Sandy Leon in a trade with Washington on Monday. Leon will likely join Ryan Hanigan as the primary catchers to start the season for the Red Sox.

Hanigan is also a new addition. He was acquired in December from San Diego for third baseman Will Middlebrooks.